Since the inauguration of World Water Day in March 22, 1993 by the United Nations General Assembly, the day had been set aside to create awareness on the need for safe water consumption and provision.
The theme for this year’s celebration: “Water and Jobs”, made it clear that availability of portable water is paramount in creating conducive work environments and homes. It is however regrettable that most homes in Nigeria, still lack means of hygienic water, talk less of workplaces.
In the light of this commemoration, the Nigerian government needs to rise to its obligation of providing safer water for its citizens, as improving these rights, and improving access to safer water, we can improve the lives of everyone.
Then comes the question, why do you need to drink water?
It is generally said that water is life, this explains the reason every cells and organs in the body need water to function effectively. Water is also an indispensable lubricant in the human system that lubricates the joints, protect the spinal cord and other sensitive tissues, regulate body temperature and assist the passage of food through the intestines.
How much water is ideal to drink?
The recommended amount of water that should be drunk per day varies from person to person depending on factors such as how active they are and how much they sweat. There is no universally agreed upon threshold of water consumption that must be reached, but there is a general level of consensus as to what a healthy amount is.
According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM), an adequate intake for men is approximately 13 cups (3 litres) a day. For women, an adequate intake is around 9 cups (2.2 litres).
Many people may have heard the phrase, “Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day,” which works out at around 1.9 litres and is close to the IOM's recommendation for women. Drinking “8 by 8” is an easy-to-remember amount that can put people on the right track in terms of water consumption.
Water also helps dissolve minerals and nutrients so that they are more accessible to the body, as well as helping transport waste products out of the body. It is these two functions that make water so vital to the kidneys.
